Zee Media Bureau
Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who was recently elevated as the poll panel chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), seems to be making attempts to reach out to the Muslims in his state.
Modi on Saturday attended the Young Indian Leaders Conclave in Gandhinagar where a slideshow was presented by one of his known critics on the problems being faced by Muslims. The presentation also talked about the 2002 riots in the state.
The presentation was made by Syed Zafar Mahmood, who touched upon various aspects of the problems that the Muslims have been facing. He also highlighted the plight of the victims displaced by the 2002 riots, who are now residing in Dhorajinagar and Citizen Nagar on the outskirts of Gandhinagar.
After the presentation, Modi told Mahmood, "it is very good you said all that and I`ll consider it".
To a question whether Modi was reaching out to various sections of the society to get higher acceptance, Mahmood said, "yes, you are very right. I think that was the very purpose of inviting me. And, my first impulse was sorry, I would not be able to come. But then I thought a lot about it."
"...Better go and meet him. Tell him what are the perceptions of the Muslim community of India. What are the complaints of the Muslim community with BJP? Why is the Muslim community heavy-hearted with BJP and Modi?" he said.
"And I`m very happy. My presentation was taken in stride. And very, very attentively, he (Modi) and the rest of the audience looked at it, heard it. And, I`m sure it has trickled down all of them. I`m sure it will have a good effect on the conscience of the country," Mahmood said.
(With PTI inputs)
